System for selling buying, lending, and renting virtual region and method thereof

ABSTRACT

The right for correlating a region or an existence with a virtual region in a virtual world structured in for example the Internet is sold, bought, lent, or rented. For example, when a buyer bought a virtual region from a seller, the virtual region of the seller is correlated with a virtual region of the buyer in a link method, a paste method, or a projection method.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/273,257 filed Nov. 18, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/799,503 filed Mar. 7, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.7,527,191, which is based on and hereby claims priority to JapaneseApplication No. 2000-335884 filed on Nov. 2, 2000 in Japan, the contentsof all three applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for selling, buying, lending,and renting a virtual region in a virtual world structured in theInternet or the like and a method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hereinafter, a two-dimensional spread is referred to as plane, whereas athree-dimensional spread is referred to as space. A part of a plane or aspace is referred to as region. A plane, a space, and various existencesare together referred to as world. In this case, existences are forexample mountains, rivers, buildings, and so forth.

As shown in FIG. 1A, on the web of the Internet, virtual two-dimensionalplanes referred to as pages are accomplished by correlating them using atechnology referred to as link. In FIG. 1A, on a page 11 displayed onthe screen, links 12 and 13 are designated. When the user selects thelink 12 with a mouse, a detail information page 14 is displayed. Whenthe user selects the link 13, the next page 15 is displayed.

FIG. 1B shows a method for displaying these pages. In FIG. 1B, a server21 is for example a personal computer (PC) that provides pageinformation. A client 22 is a PC of a user 23 who receives pageinformation. The server 21 comprises a processing portion 31 and acommunicating portion 32. The client 22 comprises a communicatingportion 33, a processing portion 34, an inputting portion 35, and anoutputting portion 36.

When the user 23 inputs an address (unique identifier)“http://xxx/file-01.html” of a desired web page stored in the server 21to the inputting portion 35 of the client 22, the input request is sentto the processing portion 31 of the server 21 through a network. As aresult, the server 21 sends a file of the web page to the client 22. Theoutputting portion 36 displays/outputs the page 11. When the userselects the links 12 and 13, the pages 14 and 15 are output,respectively.

However, the above-described conventional system has the followingproblem.

In future, the web will be extended to a virtual three-dimensionalspace. A particular region of a particular virtual space is correlatedwith a particular region of another virtual space. As a result, the usercan jump from one virtual region to another virtual region. In addition,the user may see a particular virtual region from another virtualregion.

In such a situation, like the real world in which real estates andbuildings are lent, rented, sold, and bought, in a virtual world,virtual regions of three-dimensional spaces and two-dimensional planeswill be sold, bought, lent, and rented. Although methods and apparatusesthat accomplish virtual three-dimensional spaces have been used, itseems that methods and apparatuses that allow virtual spaces to be sold,bought, lent, and rented and correlatively used have not been proposed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a system that allows avirtual region in such a virtual world to be sold, bought, lent, andrented and a method thereof.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a selling systemcomprises a presenting device, an accepting device, an executing device,and a correlating device. The selling system performs a process forselling a virtual region in a virtual world.

The presenting device presents selling information about a virtualregion of a selling object in a virtual world. The accepting deviceaccepts a message that represents that a buyer will buy the virtualregion of the selling object and information about the buyer. Theexecuting device transfers the right for correlating a processing objectwith the virtual region of the selling object to the buyer, using atleast one of a virtual existence and a virtual region in the virtualworld, a virtual existence and a virtual region in another virtualworld, and a real existence and a real region in a real world as theprocessing object. The correlating device correlates identificationinformation of the processing object with identification information ofthe virtual region of the selling object.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a lendingsystem comprises a presenting device, an accepting device, an executingdevice, and a correlating device. The lending system performs a processfor lending a virtual region in a virtual world.

The presenting device presents lending information about a virtualregion of a lending object in a virtual world. The accepting deviceaccepts a message that represents that a renter will rent the virtualregion of the lending object and information about the renter. Theexecuting device lends the right for correlating a processing objectwith the virtual region of the lending object to the renter, using atleast one in a virtual existence and a virtual region in the virtualworld, a virtual existence and a virtual region in another virtualworld, and a real existence and a real region in a real world as theprocessing object. The correlating device correlates identificationinformation of the processing object with identification information ofthe virtual region of the lending object.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent in light of the following detaileddescription of a best mode embodiment thereof, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing links of web pages;

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing displaying method for a web page;

FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing the principle of a system of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing a displaying method for a virtualworld;

FIG. 3 is a first virtual existence;

FIG. 4 is a second virtual existence;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a virtual region;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a correlation of virtual worlds;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a first correlation of a virtualworld and a real world;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a second correlation of a virtualworld and a real world;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a link to a virtual existence;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a link to a web page;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a link to a scene;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a paste of a virtual existence;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a paste of a web page;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a paste of a scene;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a projection of a virtualexistence;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a selling and buying process;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a lending and renting process;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a selling and buying process fora virtual region;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a direct selling and buyingprocess;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing a direct selling and buying process;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing an indirect selling and buyingprocess;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an indirect selling and buying process;

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a direct lending and rentingprocess;

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an indirect lending and rentingprocess;

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the structure of an informationprocessing apparatus; and

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing recording media.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of thepresent invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing the principle of a system accordingto the present invention. The system shown in FIG. 2A comprises apresenting device 41, an accepting device 42, an executing device 43,and a correlating device 44.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the system shown in FIG.2A performs a process for selling a virtual region in a virtual world.The presenting device 41 presents selling information about a virtualregion of a selling object in a virtual world. The accepting device 42accepts a message that represents that a buyer will buy the virtualregion of the selling object and information about the buyer. Theexecuting device 43 transfers the right for correlating a processingobject with the virtual region of the selling object to the buyer, usingat least one of a virtual existence and a virtual region in the virtualworld, a virtual existence and a virtual region in another virtualworld, and a real existence and a real region in a real world as theprocessing object. The correlating device 44 correlates identificationinformation of the processing object with identification information ofthe virtual region of the selling object.

Each virtual region in a virtual world has unique identificationinformation. Thus, each virtual region can be correlated with a virtualexistence or a virtual region in the same virtual world, a virtualexistence or a virtual region in another virtual world, and a realexistence or a real region in a real world.

The presenting device 41 presents selling information through theInternet or the like. When a reader who read the selling informationrequests the seller to sell the selling object, the accepting device 42accepts the information of the reader as information of the buyer. As aresult, the executing device 43 transfers the right for correlating theprocessing object designated by the buyer with the virtual region of theselling object to the buyer.

The correlating device 44 correlates the identification information ofthe processing object with the identification information of the virtualregion of the selling object in a predetermined format. As a result, thebuyer can use the virtual region. According to such a system, a virtualregion in a virtual world can be sold and bought.

In the second aspect of the present invention, the system shown in FIG.2A performs a process for lending a virtual region in a virtual world.The presenting device 41 presents lending information about a virtualregion of a lending object in a virtual world. The accepting device 42accepts a message that represents that a renter will rent the virtualregion of the lending object and information about the renter. Theexecuting device 43 lends the right for correlating a processing objectwith the virtual region of the lending object to the renter, using atleast one of a virtual existence and a virtual region in the virtualworld, a virtual existence and a virtual region in another virtualworld, and a real existence and a real region in a real world as theprocessing object. The correlating device 44 correlates identificationinformation of the processing object with identification information ofthe virtual region of the lending object.

The presenting device 41 presents lending information through theInternet or the like. When a reader who read the lending informationrequests the lender to lend the lending object, the accepting device 42accepts the information of the browser as information of the renter. Asa result, the executing device 43 transfers the right for correlatingthe processing object designated by the renter with the virtual regionof the lending object to the renter.

The correlating device 44 correlates the identification information ofthe processing object with the identification information of the virtualregion of the lending object in a predetermined format. As a result, therenter can use the virtual region. According to such a system, a virtualregion in a virtual world can be lent and rented.

For example, the presenting device 41 shown in FIG. 2A corresponds tothe presenting portion 111 shown in FIGS. 19, 21, 23, and 24. Theaccepting device 42 shown in FIG. 2A corresponds to the acceptingportion 112 shown in FIGS. 19, 21, 23, and 24. In addition, for example,the executing device 43 shown in FIG. 2A corresponds to the transferringportion 113 shown in FIGS. 19 and 21 and to the permitting portion 120shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. The correlating device 44 shown in FIG. 2Acorresponds to the processing portion 61 shown in FIG. 2B.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, like streetnumbers and addresses in the real world, unique identifiers are assignedto individual virtual regions in a three-dimensional space and atwo-dimensional plane of a virtual world. Selling prices and lendingprices are designated to the virtual regions. As a result, particularvirtual regions in the virtual world can be sold, bought, lent, andrented. For example, the user can buy a virtual space of a virtualshopping center and open a virtual store therein. Alternatively, theuser can rent a virtual plane in a virtual square and project a realworld scene thereto.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 2B to 15, a method for structuring avirtual world by the system according to the embodiment of the presentinvention will be described.

FIG. 2B shows a method for displaying a virtual world by the systemaccording to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2B, aserver 51 comprises a processing portion 61 and a communicating portion62. A client 52 comprises a communicating portion 63, a processingportion 64, an inputting portion 65, and an outputting portion 66.

When a user 23 inputs a unique identifier (address)“http://xxx/file-01.world” of a desired virtual world stored in theserver 51 to the inputting portion 65 of the client 52, the inputtingportion 65 notifies the processing portion 64 of the information. Theprocessing portion 64 generates a relevant file request. Thecommunicating portion 63 transmits the request to the server 51 througha network.

The communicating portion 62 of the server 51 notifies the processingportion 61 of the received request. The processing portion 61 extractsthe information of the requested file and transmits it to the client 52through the communicating portion 62. The communicating portion 63 ofthe client 52 sends the received information to the processing portion64. The processing portion 64 sends the information to the outputtingportion 66. The outputting portion 66 displays and/or prints data 53 ofthe relevant virtual world.

The file file-01.world describes a virtual existence and a virtualregion in the virtual world, a correlation with another virtual world,and so forth. When the file file-01.world is described in for exampleXML (eXtensible Markup Language), the file is coded as follows.

file-01.world <world>  <existence id = “existence-01”>   <cube center =“1.0, 1.0, 1.0” length = “2.0”>  </existence>  <existence id =“existence-02”>   <sphere center = “1.0, 1.0, 1.0” radius = “1.0”> </existence>  <space id = “space-01”>   <cube center = “1.0, 1.0, 1.0”length = “2.0”>  </space>  <space id = “space-02”>   <polyhedra>   <point no = “1” > x1, y1, z1 </point>     ...    <point no = “4” >x4, y4, z4 </point>    <surface> 1, 2, 3 </surface>     ...    <surface>2, 3, 4 </surface>   </polyhedra>  </space> </world>

In that case, data is described using a hierarchical structure ofelements. “existence” and “space” represent an element of a virtualexistence and an element of a virtual region, respectively. The virtualworld is represented using the xyz coordinate system. The first virtualexistence (existence-01) corresponds to a cube as shown in FIG. 3. Thesecond virtual existence (existence-02) corresponds to a sphere as shownin FIG. 4. The first virtual region (space-01) corresponds to a regionof a cube similar to the cube shown in FIG. 3. The second virtual region(space-02) corresponds to a region of a tetrahedron as shown in FIG. 5.

In addition, the file also describes correlation information withanother file file-02.world along with the above-described virtualexistences and virtual regions. As a result, data of the two differentfiles is correlated. Information of these files is displayed together.The file file-02.world can store data of another virtual world or dataof a real world.

Generally, each of two correlated files contains data of a virtual worldor data of a real world. The correlation can be categorized as thefollowing three cases:

(1) a virtual world is correlated with another virtual world

(2) a real word is correlated with a virtual world

(3) a virtual world is correlated with a real world

FIG. 6 shows an example of which a virtual world is correlated withanother virtual world. In FIG. 6, a virtual region 74 in a virtual world73 is correlated with a virtual region 72 in another virtual world 71.Instead of the virtual region 74, a virtual existence may be correlatedwith the virtual region 72. In such a correlation, a virtual store in avirtual world may be opened in a virtual shopping mall in anothervirtual world. Alternatively, a virtual advertisement tower may bedisposed in a virtual square in a virtual world.

FIG. 7 shows an example of which a real world is correlated with avirtual world. In FIG. 7, a real region 76 in a real world 75 iscorrelated with a virtual region 72 in a virtual world 71. A realexistence instead of the real region 76 may be correlated with thevirtual region 72. With such a correlation, a scene of a place in a realworld can be projected to a square in a virtual world.

FIG. 8 shows an example of which a virtual world is correlated with areal world. In FIG. 8, virtual region 74 in a virtual world 73 iscorrelated with a real region 77 in a real world 75. A virtual existenceinstead of the virtual region 74 may be correlated with the real region77. With such a correlation, a virtual existence can be displayed as aholography to a real world. Alternatively, a virtual existence can besuperimposed as a head-mount display image in a real world.

Such a correlation is described with an element “bind”. There are threetypes of correlations that are a link correlation, a paste correlation,and a projection correlation.

In the case of a link correlation, while a virtual existence or avirtual region in a virtual world is being displayed on a web browser,when the user selects the virtual existence or the virtual region with amouse, the virtual existence or the virtual region is switched to avirtual existence or a virtual region in another virtual world like aweb page. Thus, the virtual existence or the virtual region in thevirtual world linked to the selected virtual existence or virtual regionis displayed. When a “return” function of the web browser is used, thevirtual existence or virtual region in the other virtual world isswitched to the virtual existence or virtual region in the originalvirtual world.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a link to a virtual existence. A link from avirtual existence 78 in a virtual world 71 to a virtual existence 79 ina virtual world 73 can be coded as follows.

file-01.world <world>  <bind type = “link” to = “http://xxx/file-02.world/#exisence-02”>   <existence id = “existence-01”>   <cube center = “1.0, 1.0, 1.0” length = “2.0”>   </existence> </bind> </world>

“type” is an attribute that represents the correlation type. type=“link”represents that the correlation type is link. “to” is an attribute thatrepresents a unique identifier of a correlated object. In the example, avirtual existence of a cube having a unique identifier “existence-01” islinked to a virtual existence having a unique identifier“http://xxx/file-02.world/#existence-02”>.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a link to another web page. A web page 80 isstored as a virtual existence on the web. For example, a link from avirtual space 78 to a web page 80 can be coded as follows.

fiel-01.world <world>  <bind type = “link” to = “http://xxx/file-02.html”>   <existence id = “existence-01”>   <cube center = “1.0, 1.0, 1.0” length = “2.0”>   </existence> </bind> </world>

FIG. 11 shows an example of a link to a scene in a real world. A videopicture 81 of a scene is input to the web by a video camera 82 andstored as a virtual existence. A link from the virtual existence 78 tothe video picture 81 can be coded as follows.

file-01.world <world>  <bind type = “link” to = “http://xxx/file-02.video”>   <existence id = “existence-01”>   <cube center = “1.0, 1.0, 1.0” length = “2.0”>   </existence> </bind> </world>

In the case of a paste correlation, a virtual existence or a realexistence such as characters, a picture, or the like in a virtual worldor a real world is pasted to a virtual existence or a virtual region inthe same virtual world or another virtual world. In the case, the pastedvirtual existence or real existence is displayed on the virtualexistence or virtual region in the original virtual world withoutnecessity of user's selecting operation.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a paste of a virtual existence. For example,a paste of a virtual existence 83 in a virtual world 73 to a virtualexistence 78 in a virtual world 71 can be coded as follows.

fiele-01.world <world>  <bind type = “paste” from = “http://xxx/file-02.world/#existence-02”>   <existence id = “existence-01”>   <cube center = “1.0, 1.0, 1.0” length = “2.0”>   </existence> </bind> </world>

type=“paste” represents that the correlation type is paste. “from” is anattribute that represents a unique identifier of a correlated object.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a paste of another web page. For example, apaste of a picture 84 of a web page to a virtual existence 78 can becoded as follows.

file-01.world <world>  <bind type = “paste” from = “http://xxx/file-02.image”>   <existence id = “existence-01”>   <cube center = “1.0, 1.0, 1.0” length = “2.0”>   </existence> </bind> </world>

FIG. 14 shows an example of a paste of a scene in a real world. Forexample, a paste of a video picture 81 of a scene to a virtual existence78 can be coded as follows.

file-01.world <world>  <bind type = “paste” from = “http://xxx/file-02.video”>   <existence id = “existence-01”>   <cube center = “1.0, 1.0, 1.0” length = “2.0”>   </existence> </bind> </world>

In the case of a projection correlation, a virtual existence or avirtual region in a virtual world or a real existence or a real regionin a real world is projected to a virtual region in the same virtualworld or another virtual world. The projected virtual existence, virtualregion, real existence, or real region is displayed in the virtualregion in the original virtual world. A paste is equivalent to a specialcase of a projection.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a projection of a virtual existence. Forexample, a projection of a virtual existence 79 in a virtual world 73 toa virtual region 85 in a virtual world 71 can be coded as follows.

file-01.world <world>  <bind type = “project” from = “http://xxx/file-02.world/#existence-02”>   <space id = “space-01”>   <cube center = “1.0, 1.0, 1.0” length = “2.0”>   </space>  </bind></world>type=“project” represents that the correlation type is projection. Itshould be noted that a link, a paste, and a projection can be usedtogether at a time.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18, examples of processes of thesystem will be described.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a selling and buying process for a virtualregion. In FIG. 16, a PC 51 corresponds to a personal computer of aseller. As shown in FIG. 2B, data of a virtual world is provided to auser 23. In FIG. 16, a client 52 of a user 23 is omitted. A PC 91corresponds to a personal computer of a buyer. The PC 91 comprises aprocessing portion 92 and a communicating portion 93.

The PC 51 stores a file file-01.world of a virtual world as a sellingobject. The PC 91 stores a file file-02.world of another virtual world.The file file-01.world describes a correlation with the filefile-02.world. In the case, since the file file-02.world that describesa virtual region or a virtual existence of the buyer is under thecontrol of the buyer, he or she can freely modify/change the data.

When the user 23 requests a file file-01.world of a desired virtualworld, a processing portion 61 of the PC 51 extracts the information ofthe file. A communicating portion 62 transmits the information to theuser 23. At that point, when necessary, the processing portion 61requests the PC 91 for the correlated file file-02.world through acommunicating portion 67.

The communicating portion 93 of the PC 91 notifies the processingportion 92 of the request. The processing portion 92 extracts theinformation of the file file-02.world and transmits it to the PC 51through the communicating portion 93. The communicating portion 67 sendsthe received information to the processing portion 61. The processingportion 61 transmits the information to the user 23 through thecommunicating portion 62. As a result, data of a virtual region and avirtual existence of the buyer is provided to the user 23.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a lending and renting process for a virtualregion. In FIG. 17, a PC 51 corresponds to a personal computer of alender. A PC 91 corresponding to a personal computer of a renter. A filefile-02.world of a virtual world of the renter is deposited from the PC91 to the PC 51. The PC 51 stores both the file file-01.world and thefile file-02.world. In the case, since the file file-02.world is underthe control of the lender, the renter cannot freely modify/change thedata thereof.

When a user 23 requests a file file-01.world of a desired virtual world,the PC 51 transmits the information of the file to the user 23. At thatpoint, when necessary, the PC 51 transmits information of the correlatedfile file-02.world to the user 23. As a result, the PC 51 provides dataof a virtual region or a virtual existence of the renter to the user 23without need to communicate with the PC 91.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a selling and buying process for a virtualregion. In FIG. 18, a virtual world 101 corresponds to a virtual worldof a seller. The virtual world 101 is described in a file file-01.world.A virtual region 102 of a hexahedron in the virtual world 101corresponds to a region that is sold. The virtual region 102 can becoded in the file file-01.world as follows.

fiel-01.world <world>  <space id = “space-01”>   <polyhedra>    <pointno = “1”> X1, Y1, Z1 </point>     ...    <point no = “8”> X2, Y2, Z2</point>    <surface> 1, 2, 3, 4 </surface>     ...    <surface> 5, 6,7, 8 </surface>   </polyhedra>  </space> </world>

When the unique identifier of the seller is http://xxx, the uniqueidentifier of the virtual region 102 becomeshttp://xxx/file-01.world/#space-01. A virtual world 104 corresponds to avirtual world of a buyer. The virtual world 104 is described in a filefile-02.world. A virtual region 105 of a hexahedron in the virtual world104 corresponds to a region that the buyer wants to project to a virtualregion 102 that is bought. A virtual existence 106 of a sphere in thevirtual region 105 corresponds to an existence that the user wants tolink form the virtual region 102. The virtual region 105 and the virtualexistence 106 can be coded in the file file-02.world as follows.

file-02.world <world>  <space id = “space-02”>   <polyhedra>    <pointno = “1” > x1, y1, z1 </point>     ...    <point no = “8” > x2, y2, z2</point>    <surface> 1, 2, 3, 4 </surface>     ...    <surface> 5, 6,7, 8 </surface>   </polyhedra>  </space>  <existence id =“existence-02”>   <sphere center = “x, y, z” radius = “a”>  </existence></world>

When the unique identifier of the buyer is http://yyy, the uniqueidentifier of the virtual region 105 becomeshttp://yyy/file-02.world/#space-02 and the unique identifier of thevirtual existence 106 becomes http://yyy/file-02.world/#existence-02.

When the seller and the buyer have made a sales contract, the virtualregion 105 is projected to the virtual region 102 corresponding to thecontract. The virtual region 102 is linked to the virtual existence 106.As a result, the file file-01.world is changed as follows.

file-01.world <world>  <bind type = “project” from = “http”//yyy/file-02.world/#space-02”>  <bind type = “link” to = “http://yyy/file-02.world/#existence-02”>   <space id = “space-01”>    <polyhedra>    <point no = “1” > X1, Y1, Z1 </point>      ...     <point no = “8” >X2, Y2, Z2 </point>     <surface> 1, 2, 3, 4 </surface>      ...    <surface> 5, 6, 7, 8 </surface>    </polyhedra>   </space>  </bind> </bind> </world>

When the virtual region 105 is projected to the virtual region 102, dataof the virtual region 105 is displayed in the virtual region 102. Whenthe user selects a position in the virtual region 102, a virtualexistence 103 is displayed using data of the virtual existence 106 thatis linked.

When a virtual region is lent or rented, the virtual world 101corresponds to a virtual world of a lender. The virtual region 102corresponds to a region that is lent. The virtual world 104 correspondsto a virtual world of a renter. The virtual region 105 corresponds to aregion that the renter wants to project to the virtual region 102 thatis rented. The virtual existence 106 corresponds to an existence thatthe user wants to link from the virtual region 102. When the lender andthe renter made a rental contract, a projection and a link are performedcorresponding to the contract. As a result, the file file-01.world ischanged as follows. Unlike the case of the selling and buying process,in the case of the lending and renting process, it should be noted thatthe file file-02.world is stored on the lender side.

file-01.world <world>  <bind  type  =  “project”  from  =  “file-02.world/#space-02”>  <bind  type  =  “link”  to  =  “file-02.world/#existence-02”>   <space id = “space-01”>    <polyhedra>    <point no = “1” > X1, Y1, Z1 </point>      ...     <point no = “8” >X2, Y2, Z2 </point>     <surface> 1, 2, 3, 4 </surface>      ...    <surface> 5, 6, 7, 8 </surface>    </polyhedra>   </space>  </bind> </bind> </world>

Next, with reference to FIGS. 19 to 26, the selling and buying processand the lending and renting process will be described. In thoseprocesses, the right for correlating a virtual region to another regionor an existence is handled as the right of use of a virtual region.

FIG. 19 shows the case that a seller directly sells a virtual region toa buyer. In FIG. 19, a presenting portion 111, an accepting portion 112,and a transferring portion 113 are disposed in a PC of a seller 114. Forexample, the presenting portion 111, the accepting portion 112, and thetransferring portion 113 correspond to a combination of the processingportion 92 and the communicating portion 93 shown in FIG. 16. A browsingportion 115, a requesting portion 116, and a receiving portion 117 aredisposed in a PC of a buyer 118. The browsing portion 115, therequesting portion 116, and the receiving portion 117 correspond to acombination of the processing portion 61 and the communicating portion67 shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the selling and buying process shown inFIG. 19. When the seller 114 sells a virtual region, the presentingportion 111 presents selling information including information of aunique identifier of a selling object, a message that represents thatthe seller 111 will sell the selling object, information about theseller 114, and the selling price to the public through a network (atstep S1).

The buyer 118 browses the selling information through the browsingportion 115 (at step S2) and requests the seller 114 for buying theselling object (at step S3). At that point, the requesting portion 116transmits request information including a message that represents thebuyer 118 will buy the selling object, information about the buyer 118,and a unique identifier of a virtual existence, a virtual region, or thelike to be correlated with the selling object to the accepting portion112.

When the accepting portion 112 receives the request information (at stepS4), the seller 114 adds the correlation information of the uniqueidentifier contained in the request information to the description ofthe file of the selling object (at step S5). Thereafter, thetransferring portion 113 notifies the buyer 118 of the correlated resultso as to transfer the right of use of the virtual region to the buyer118 (at step S6). When the receiving portion 117 receives the correlatedresult (at step S7), the buyer 118 stores the correlated result andcompletes the process.

FIG. 21 shows the case that a seller indirectly sells a selling objectto a buyer through an agent. In FIG. 21, an agent 119 intermediates acommunication between a seller 114 and a buyer 118 using a computer suchas a server.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the selling and buying process shown inFIG. 21. When the seller 114 sells a selling object, a presentingportion 111 presents the above-described selling information to theagent 119 through a network (at step S11). The agent 119 presents thereceived selling information to the public through the network (at stepS12).

The buyer 118 browses the selling information through a browsing portion115 (at step S13). A requesting portion 116 transmits the requestinformation to the agent 119 (at step S14). The agent 119 transmits thereceived request information to the seller 114 (at step S15).

When the accepting portion 112 receives the request information (at stepS16), the seller 114 adds the correlation information to the descriptionof the file of the selling object (at step S17). Thereafter, thetransferring portion 113 notifies the agent 119 of the correlationinformation (at step S18). The agent 119 transmits the correlationinformation to the buyer 118 so as to transfer the right of use of thevirtual region to the buyer 118 (at step S19). When the receivingportion 117 receives the correlation information (at step S20), thebuyer 118 stores the correlation information and completes the process.

In each of the selling and buying processes shown in FIGS. 19 and 21,the money for the selling price is paid from the buyer to the seller ina predetermined method. When a whole virtual world is sold, the sellertransfers a file that descries the virtual world to the buyer directlyor through an agent. At that point, the file may be transmitted to thebuyer through the network. Alternatively, the file recorded on aportable recording medium such as a floppy disk may be sent to thebuyer.

FIG. 23 shows the case that a lender directly lends a lending object toa renter. In FIG. 23, a presenting portion 111, an accepting portion112, and a permitting portion 120 are disposed in a PC of a lender 121.For example, the presenting portion 111, the accepting portion 112, andthe permitting portion 120 correspond to a combination of the processingportion 61 and the communicating portion 67 shown in FIG. 17. A browsingportion 115, a requesting portion 116, and a receiving portion 117 aredisposed in a PC of a renter 122. The browsing portion 115, therequesting portion 116, and the receiving portion 117 correspond to acombination of the processing portion 92 and the communicating portion93 shown in FIG. 17.

Since the flow chart of the lending and renting process is basically thesame as the flow chart shown in FIG. 20, the lending and renting processwill be described with reference to FIG. 20. When the lender 121 lends avirtual region, the presenting portion 111 presents lending informationincluding information of a unique identifier of a lending object, amessage that represents that the lender 121 will lend the lendingobject, information about the lender 121, and a lending fee to thepublic through a network (at step S1).

The renter 122 browses the lending information through the browsingportion 115 (at step S2) and requests the lender 121 for renting thelending object (at step S3). At that point, the requesting portion 116transmits request information including a message that represents thatthe renter 122 will rent the lending object, information about therenter 122, and a file describing a virtual existence or a virtualregion to be correlated with the lending object and deposits the file tothe lender 121.

When the accepting portion 112 receives the request information (at stepS4), the lender 121 adds the correlation information of the virtualexistence or the virtual region described in the deposited file to thedescription of the file as the lending object (at step S5). Thereafter,the permitting portion 120 notifies the renter 122 of a message of thecorrelation so as to permit the renter 122 to rent the virtual regionand lend the right of use thereof to the renter 122 (at step S6). Whenthe receiving portion 117 receives the message (at step S7), the renter122 stores the message and completes the process.

FIG. 24 shows the case that a lender lends a lending object to a renterthrough an agent. In FIG. 24, an agent 123 intermediates a communicationbetween a lender 121 and a renter 122 using a computer such as a server.

Since the flow chart of the lending and renting process shown in FIG. 24is basically the same as the flow chart shown in FIG. 22, the lendingand renting process will be described with reference to FIG. 22. Whenthe lender 121 lends the lending object, a presenting portion 111presents the above-described lending information to the agent 123through a network (at step S11). The agent 123 presents the receivedlending information to the public through the network (at step S12).

The renter 122 browses the lending information through a browsingportion 115 (at step S13). A requesting portion 116 transmits theabove-described request information to the agent 123 (at step S14).Thereafter, the agent 123 transmits the received request information tothe lender 121 (at step S15).

When an accepting portion 112 receives the request information (at stepS16), the lender 121 adds correlation information to the description ofthe file of the lending object (at step S17). Thereafter, a permittingportion 120 notifies the agent 123 of the correlation information. Theagent 123 transmits the correlation information to the renter 122. As aresult, the lender 121 permits the renter 122 to rent the virtual regionand lends the right of use thereof to the renter 122 (at step S18). Whena receiving portion 117 receives the correlation information (at stepS20), the renter 122 stores the correlation information and completesthe process.

In each of the lending and renting processes shown in FIGS. 23 and 24,the money for the lending fee is paid from the renter to the lender.

The PCs 51, 52, and 91 shown in FIGS. 2B and 16 correspond to aninformation processing apparatus shown in FIG. 25. The informationprocessing apparatus shown in FIG. 25 comprises a CPU (CentralProcessing Unit) 131, a memory 132, an inputting device 133, anoutputting device 134, an external storing device 135, a medium drivingdevice 136, and a network connecting device 137. These structuraldevices are mutually connected through a bus 138.

The processing portions 61, 64, and 92 shown in FIGS. 2B and 16correspond to a combination of the CPU 131 and the memory 132. Theinputting portion 65 and the outputting portion 66 shown in FIG. 2Bcorrespond to the inputting device 133 and the outputting device 134,respectively. The communicating portions 62, 63, 67, and 93 shown inFIGS. 2B and 16 correspond to the network connecting device 137.

The memory 132 includes for example a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM(Random Access Memory). The memory 132 stores a program and data usedfor the above-described processes. The CPU 131 executes the programusing the memory 132 so as to perform required processes.

The inputting device 133 includes for example a keyboard, a pointingdevice, and a touch panel. The inputting device 133 allows the user toinput commands and data. The outputting device 134 includes for examplea display, a printer, and a speaker. The outputting device 134 promptsthe user for data and outputs processed results.

The external storing device 135 includes for example a magnetic discdevice, an optical device, a magneto-optical disc device, and a tapedevice. The information processing apparatus stores the program and datato the external storing device 135. When necessary, the informationprocessing apparatus loads the program and data form the externalstoring device 135 to the memory 132.

The medium driving device 136 drives a portable recording medium 139 andaccesses the recorded content thereof. The portable recording medium 139includes for example a memory card, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM (CompactDisc Read Only Memory), an optical disc, and a magneto-optical disc thatare recording mediums from which data can be read by any computer. Theoperator stores the above-described program and data to the portablerecording medium 139. When necessary, the operator loads the program anddata to the memory 132.

The network connecting device 137 is connected to an arbitrarycommunication network such as the Internet. The network connectingdevice 137 converts data corresponding to a communication. Theinformation processing apparatus receives the above-described programand data from another device such as a server through the networkconnecting device 137. When necessary, the information processingapparatus loads the program and data to the memory 132.

FIG. 26 shows computer readable recording media that allows a programand data to be supplied to the information processing apparatus shown inFIG. 25. The program and data stored in the portable recording medium139 and a database 141 of a server 140 are loaded to a memory 132. Theserver 140 generates a propagation signal for propagating the programand data and transmits the propagation signal to the informationprocessing apparatus through an arbitrary transmission medium on thenetwork. The CPU 131 executes the program using the data and performsrequired processes.

According to the present invention, a virtual region of a virtual worldin an information space such as the Internet can be sold, bought, lent,and rented. As a result, like the real world, the concept of realestates can be accomplished in the virtual world. Thus, new businessessuch as real estate business and construction business can beaccomplished.

Although the present invention has been shown and described with respectto a best mode embodiment thereof, it should be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes,omissions, and additions in the form and detail thereof may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

1. A selling system, comprising: a presenting device presenting sellinginformation about a virtual region of a selling object in a virtualworld; an accepting device accepting a message that represents that abuyer will buy the virtual region of the selling object and informationabout the buyer; an executing device transferring a right forcorrelating a processing object with the virtual region of the sellingobject to the buyer, the processing object being at least one of avirtual existence and a virtual region in the virtual world, a virtualexistence and a virtual region in another virtual world, and a realexistence and a real region in a real world; and a correlating devicecorrelating identification information of the processing object withidentification information of the virtual region of the selling object.2. The selling system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said correlatingdevice correlates the identification information of the processingobject with the identification information of the virtual region of theselling object using at least one of a link method, a paste method, anda projection method.
 3. A lending system, comprising: a presentingdevice presenting lending information about a virtual region of alending object in a virtual world; an accepting device accepting amessage that represents that a renter will rent the virtual region ofthe lending object and information about the renter; an executing devicelending a right for correlating a processing object with the virtualregion of the lending object to the renter, the processing object beingat least one of a virtual existence and a virtual region in the virtualworld, a virtual existence and a virtual region in another virtualworld, and a real existence and a real region in a real world; and acorrelating device correlating identification information of theprocessing object with identification information of the virtual regionof the lending object.
 4. The lending system as set forth in claim 3,wherein said correlating device correlates the identificationinformation of the processing object with the identification informationof the virtual region of the lending object using at least one of a linkmethod, a paste method, and a projection method.
 5. A buying system,comprising: a browsing device browsing selling information about avirtual region of a selling object in a virtual world; a requestingdevice requesting to buy a right for correlating identificationinformation of a processing object with identification information ofthe virtual region of the selling object, the processing object being atleast one of a virtual existence and a virtual region in the virtualworld, a virtual existence and a virtual region in another virtualworld, and a real existence and a real region in a real world; and areceiving device receiving correlation information of the processingobject and the virtual region of the selling object.
 6. A rentingsystem, comprising: a browsing device browsing lending information abouta virtual region of a lending object in a virtual world; a requestingdevice requesting to rent a right for correlating identificationinformation of a processing object with identification information ofthe virtual region of the lending object, the processing object being atleast one of a virtual existence and a virtual region in the virtualworld, a virtual existence and a virtual region in another virtualworld, and a real existence and a real region in a real world; and areceiving device receiving correlation information of the processingobject and the virtual region of the lending object.
 7. A computerreadable recording medium on which a program is recorded, the programcausing a computer to perform: receiving a message that represents thata buyer will buy a virtual region of a selling object in a virtual worldand information about the buyer; correlating identification informationof a processing object with identification information of the virtualregion of the selling object, the processing object being at least oneof a virtual existence and a virtual region in the virtual world, avirtual existence and a virtual region in another virtual world, and areal existence and a real region in a real world; and notifying thebuyer of correlation information of the processing object and thevirtual region of the selling object.
 8. A computer readable recordingmedium on which a program is recorded, the program causing a computer toperform: receiving a message that represents that a renter will rent avirtual region of a lending object in a virtual world and informationabout the renter; correlating identification information of a processingobject with identification information of the virtual region of thelending object, the processing object being at least one of a virtualexistence and a virtual region in the virtual world, a virtual existenceand a virtual region in another virtual world, and a real existence anda real region in a real world; and notifying the renter of correlationinformation of the processing object and the virtual region of thelending object.
 9. A computer readable recording medium on which isrecorded information of a virtual world including a virtual region of aselling object so that when a request for buying the virtual region ofthe selling object in the virtual world is accepted, identificationinformation of a processing object is correlated with identificationinformation of the virtual region of the selling object, the processingobject being at least one of a virtual existence and a virtual region inthe virtual world, a virtual existence and a virtual region in anothervirtual world, and a real existence and a real region in a real world.10. A computer readable recording medium on which is recordedinformation of a virtual world including a virtual region of a lendingobject so that when a request for renting the virtual region of thelending object in the virtual world is accepted, identificationinformation of a processing object is correlated with identificationinformation of the virtual region of the lending object, the processingobject being at least one of a virtual existence and a virtual region inthe virtual world, a virtual existence and a virtual region in anothervirtual world, and a real existence and a real region in a real world.11. A propagation signal propagating a program to a computer, theprogram causing the computer to perform: receiving a message thatrepresents that a buyer will buy a virtual region of a selling object ina virtual world and information about the buyer; correlatingidentification information of a processing object with identificationinformation of the virtual region of the selling object, the processingobject being at least one of a virtual existence and a virtual region inthe virtual world, a virtual existence and a virtual region in anothervirtual world, and a real existence and a real region in a real world;and notifying the buyer of correlation information of the processingobject and the virtual region of the selling object.
 12. A propagationsignal propagating a program to a computer, the program causing thecomputer to perform: receiving a message that represents that a renterwill rent a virtual region of a lending object in a virtual world andinformation about the renter; correlating identification information ofa processing object with identification information of the virtualregion of the lending object, the processing object being at least oneof a virtual existence and a virtual region in the virtual world, avirtual existence and a virtual region in another virtual world, and areal existence and a real region in a real world; and notifying therenter of correlation information of the processing object and thevirtual region of the lending object.
 13. A propagation signalpropagating information of a virtual world including a virtual region ofa selling object to a computer so that when a request for buying thevirtual region of the selling object of the virtual world is accepted,identification information of a processing object is correlated withidentification information of the virtual region of the selling object,the processing object being at least one of a virtual existence and avirtual region in the virtual world, a virtual existence and a virtualregion in another virtual world, and a real existence and a real regionin a real world.
 14. A propagation signal propagating information of avirtual world including a virtual region of a lending object to acomputer so that when a request for renting the virtual region of thelending object in the virtual world is accepted, identificationinformation of a processing object is correlated with identificationinformation of the virtual region of the lending object, the processingobject being at least one of a virtual existence and a virtual region inthe virtual world, a virtual existence and a virtual region in anothervirtual world, and a real existence and a real region in a real world.15. A selling method, comprising: presenting selling information about avirtual region of a selling object in a virtual world; accepting arequest for buying the virtual region of the selling object; acceptingat least one of a virtual existence and a virtual region in the virtualworld, a virtual existence and a virtual region in another virtualworld, and a real existence and a real region in a real world as aprocessing object; and correlating identification information of theprocessing object with identification information of the virtual regionof the selling object.
 16. A lending method, comprising: presentinglending information about a virtual region of a lending object in avirtual world; accepting a request for renting the virtual region of thelending object; accepting at least one of a virtual existence and avirtual region in the virtual world, a virtual existence and a virtualregion in another virtual world, and a real existence and a real regionin a real world as a processing object; and correlating identificationinformation of the processing object with identification information ofthe virtual region of the lending object.
 17. A selling system,comprising: presenting means for presenting selling information about avirtual region of a selling object in a virtual world; accepting meansfor accepting a message that represents that a buyer will buy thevirtual region of the selling object and information about the buyer;executing means for transferring a right for correlating a processingobject with the virtual region of the selling object to the buyer, theprocessing object being at least one of a virtual existence and avirtual region in the virtual world, a virtual existence and a virtualregion in another virtual world, and a real existence and a real regionin a real world; and correlating means for correlating identificationinformation of the processing object with identification information ofthe virtual region of the selling object.
 18. A lending system,comprising: presenting means for presenting lending information about avirtual region of a lending object in a virtual world; accepting meansfor accepting a message that represents that a renter will rent thevirtual region of the lending object and information about the renter;executing means for lending a right for correlating a processing objectwith the virtual region of the lending object to the renter, theprocessing object being at least one of a virtual existence and avirtual region in the virtual world, a virtual existence and a virtualregion in another virtual world, and a real existence and a real regionin a real world; and correlating means for correlating identificationinformation of the processing object with identification information ofthe virtual region of the lending object.